The Katsina State Government has announced a ban on farming along cattle routes and grazing reserves throughout the state, effective from this farming season.
Abdullahi Faskari, the Secretary to the State Government, made this announcement during a conflict resolution tour of Mai’adua and Zango Local Government Areas. The tour was prompted by reports from herders indicating that their traditional cattle routes, essential for accessing grazing lands, had been obstructed by agricultural activities.
Faskari revealed that both herders and farmers were convened in Katsina to address the issue, particularly concerning a cattle route leading to the Niger Republic. He stated, “We invited both herders and farmers, along with local government chairpersons, to verify the claims.”
An agreement was reached that farmers could harvest the current crops on the cattle routes, but this would be the final farming season permitted on those paths. The affected local government areas include Mashi, Kaita, Dutsinma, Mai’adua, and Zango.
“The traditional institution played a vital role in facilitating these discussions, and we can confirm that after this season’s harvest, farming will no longer be allowed on the designated cattle routes,” Faskari noted.
In addition to addressing the cattle route issue, the inspection team also looked into reports of illegal encroachment on forest reserves in the region, where over 70 hectares of land were reportedly cultivated without authorization. Faskari mentioned, “We have gathered information to tackle this issue in accordance with Governor Dikko Radda’s directives.”
The team further visited Zango local government to investigate concerns about forest land being converted into farmland. Faskari emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing conflicts, stating that efforts will continue with plans to visit other local government areas, including Kaita and Mashi, where similar disputes have arisen.
“Our goal is to prevent these disputes from escalating into larger conflicts. We encourage farmers and herders to report any issues to the government, and we are dedicated to taking prompt action to maintain peace,” he concluded, reiterating the government’s aim to promote peaceful coexistence and protect grazing routes and forest reserves.
